Esteghlal FC defeats Al-Gharafa in a thrilling match
Esteghlal FC emerged victorious over Al-Gharafa with a 3-1 scoreline in a thrilling encounter at the Shahr-e Qods Stadium. The match was characterized by a high number of yellow cards and substitutions, as well as Esteghlal FC’s comeback after trailing in the first half.
The match started with an own goal by A. Yousif in the 4th minute, giving Al-Gharafa the lead. Esteghlal FC dominated possession for much of the match, but couldn’t equalize until the 79th minute when R. Rezaeian scored with a direct shot. The score was completed by A. Rezavand’s goal in the 89th minute, securing the victory for the Iranian team.
Esteghlal FC secured an important victory in the first round of the AFC Champions League, while Al-Gharafa will have to fight to regain ground on the next match day.
Match statistics:
* Esteghlal FC: 54% possession, 19 shots (4 on target, 9 off target), 5 corners, 9 fouls, 2 yellow cards, 0 red cards
* Al-Gharafa: 46% possession, 4 shots (1 on target, 2 off target), 2 corners, 10 fouls, 4 yellow cards, 0 red cards
Key events in the match:
* 4′: Esteghlal FC – Goal by A. Yousif (Own goal)
* 9′: Al-Gharafa – Yellow card for S. Sano
* 32′: Al-Gharafa – Yellow card for A. Al Ganehi
* 52′: Al-Gharafa – Yellow card for A. O. Madibo
* 53′: Esteghlal FC – Yellow card for R. Cheshmi
* 59′: Al-Gharafa – Yellow card for K. N’Diaye
* 70′: Esteghlal FC – Yellow card for M. Eslami
* 79′: Esteghlal FC – Goal by R. Rezaeian
* 89′: Esteghlal FC – Goal by A. Rezavand
Substitutions al-gharafa: at minute 46 S. Fadlalla came in and A. Yousif went out., at minute 58 J. Hamed came in and F. Diaz went out., at minute 74 R. Boussafi came in and F. Coman went out., at minute 74 M. Muntari came in and A. Al Ganehi went out.
Substitutions esteghlal fc: at minute 71 A. Jalali came in and M. Zakipour went out., at minute 77 M. Mohammadi came in and M. Eslami went out., at minute 84 G. Kakuta came in and J. Masharipov went out., at minute 84 A. Rezavand came in and Z. Niknafs went out.
The teams lined up as follows:
Esteghlal FC
Titulares:
Al-Gharafa
Titulares:
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